Android phone security, Any advice ?

Guys_Dad

Smartphones run on software and any 3rd party software has the potential to have bugs or viruses. Just as true for phones as PCs, but what you then have to look at is (a) evidence of viruses out there, (b) source of 3rd party software and (c) protection.

The Android market place has numerous AV programs some from respected PC vendors and the official Google Marketplace has some degree of confidence. There are very few examples of any virus programs from official sources out there.

Yes, some apps have inexplicable permissions built in but they are declared.

Seems to me that you may be worrying a little too much - at least at present, but if in doubt, Nokia do some really cheap non-smartphones.

DUTR

thegoodman wrote: »

Can you show the link which shows what you are saying is correct, for Android phones?

What you have copied to hide the facts is the rights for Sony tablet which cannot make calls. I am sure in your other posts you have said you have Android phone not Sony tablet.

Check your facts before writing as misleading facts don't help anyone.

You already shown the link, I already posted I simply copied and pasted the permissions from the link you posted, not sure why folk would want to keep updating? If it ain't broke then don't fix it! is a common saying, glad to see in your earlier post you admit that anything malicious is not limited and exclusive to one platform, whether there is less chance of attack, then whichever platform the victim was using has little relevance then.
You have an android device, have you been victim to any malware?

grumbler

Guys_Dad wrote: »

...
The Android market place has numerous AV programs some from respected PC vendors and the official Google Marketplace has some degree of confidence. There are very few examples of any virus programs from official sources out there....

My understanding is that 'virus' is something absolutely different from a 'bogus' app. No AV program will detect unwanted functionality built into a new app by the developer.

Re the PC, I think you'll agree that the majority of users install the software only from very few reputable companies. Viruses are the main problem, not the software itself, and viruses spread not through direct installations. The picture with smartphones and apps is absolutely different.

DUTR

grumbler wrote: »

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.accuweather.android&hl=en

Grumbler, what I had installed was the Accu weather widget, which appears to have different permissions to the app?

grumbler

In fact I was not even saying that this app was bogus. On the contrary, I think it is perfectly fine because of the good feedback.

My point was that the information about permissions that we are supposed to base our decisions upon, is pretty much meaningless. ATM the feedback is the only valuable information. Hence, every new app needs a few thousands volunteers or idiots to test it. And the danger still comes from updates as new users don't have access to the earlier versions that received the feedback.

IMO, this system created by Google is absolutely unacceptable.

Guys_Dad

grumbler wrote: »

. ATM the feedback is the only valuable information. Hence, every new app needs a few thousands volunteers or idiots to test it. And the danger still comes from updates as new users don't have access to the earlier versions that received the feedback.

IMO, this system created by Google is absolutely unacceptable.

I would tend to agree, but if not the market place of volunteers, then what other body would do it and still keep free apps available?

The Unix community and the Open Software group are/were also liable to exploitation but that's the price you (don't) pay for free apps I suppose.

I may take a more guarded view if or when the growth of rogue programs becomes more prevalent, but for now, and since I tend to only use productivity-type apps, I will live with the status quo.

thegoodman

Guys_Dad wrote: »

I would tend to agree, but if not the market place of volunteers, then what other body would do it and still keep free apps available?

Other mobile companies are able to do this. The Windows Phone and iPhone app store check the app before release and still have many free apps. Even the Android marketplace from Amazon check the apps. The Google Play need to do the same.

DUTR

thegoodman wrote: »

Other mobile companies are able to do this. The Windows Phone and iPhone app store check the app before release and still have many free apps. Even the Android marketplace from Amazon check the apps. The Google Play need to do the same.

Why don't you take the issue up with them, as it seems only you have great issue with that, there are millions of users using the risky malware without fuss or worry.

thegoodman

DUTR wrote: »

Why don't you take the issue up with them, as it seems only you have great issue with that, there are millions of users using the risky malware without fuss or worry.

The point of having MSE is to save money and make people aware of malware or anything that can trick people into paying for the service not required.
Its not only me.
Try searching: malware android or see other post many people have spend money without their knowledge through malware.
The malware is a big probplem on Android.

At least unlike you I dont make things up, eg show the rights for tablet and not Android phone (ref your post).

If the same app on the tablet can work without making the calls, why would the app need the right to make calls and send text messages.
How much is Google making from this?

DUTR

thegoodman wrote: »

The point of having MSE is to save money and make people aware of malware or anything that can trick people into paying for the service not required.
Its not only me.
Try searching: malware android or see other post many people have spend money without their knowledge through malware.
The malware is a big probplem on Android.

At least unlike you I dont make things up, eg show the rights for tablet and not Android phone (ref your post).

If the same app on the tablet can work without making the calls, why would the app need the right to make calls and send text messages.
How much is Google making from this?

You are the only one hysterical about malware (even though you have not or no anybody that has been affected by it) , you say you don't make things up, you seem to forget the various screennames you have used in the past, not sure why you have not cottoned on that nobody else here is hysterical about malware, so it is YOU that should contact google about your concerns. :cool: